Maguires get chance to emulate Lowry

Twin sensations Lisa and Leona Maguire will get a chance to emulate Shane Lowry in next month’s AIB Ladies Irish Open at Portmarnock Links.

The Cavan sisters, 14, have the chance to put one over on the Europe’s top women professionals after the tournament promoters and the Ladies European Tour agreed with the Ladies Golf Union to invite all nine members of Vagliano Trophy side to tee it up from June 26-28.

Great Britain and Ireland skipper Mary McKenna said: “I am delighted that my team will be together and have the experience of testing themselves against the best players in the game.

“This opportunity will also allow us to get together for a dedicated team day at Killeen Castle which will be of great help in our preparations for the matches in July.”

It won't be the first time that the Maguires tee it up against the pros.

In 2007 the Slieve Russell pair played in the Northern Ireland Ladies Open as mere 11 year olds and missed the cut.

But after taking amateur golf by storm over the past few years they are fancied to put in a serious challenge this time.

Just two weeks ago Lisa succeeded Leona as Irish Women’s Close champion and they will have plenty of pals for company this time with Royal County Down amateur Danielle McVeigh and US-based Stephanie Meadow also set to play.

The €500,000 AIB Ladies Irish Open is a vital part of Ireland’s build up to the 2011 Solheim Cup matches at Killeen Castle.

Norway’s Suzann Pettersen captured the title last season but this year’s top attractions are four-time major winner Laura Davies and European No 1 Gwladys Nocera of France.

Ireland’s tour players will be out in force with Martina Gillen, Rebecca Coakley, Claire Coughlan-Ryan, Hazel Kavanagh, Marian Riordan and rookie Tara Delaney all set to play.

Maguire twins to shake up Ladies Irish Open

Four time major winner Laura Davies and Irish amateur legend Mary McKenna have seen just about everything in their storied careers in the professional and amateur game.

Lisa MaguireYet they know they could witness the beginning of something special when the 14-year old Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, rub shoulders with the cream of the European women's professional golf in the first round of the €500,000 AIB Ladies Irish Open at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links today.

Maguire twins miss the cut

Teenage twins Leona and Lisa Maguire missed the cut in the €500,000 AIB Ladies Irish Open as big-hitting Swede Sophie Gustafson moved into contention for an incredible sixth victory on Irish soil at Portmarnock Links.

Maguire twins hit the ladies tour in Portugal

Leona Maguire is used to rubbing shoulders with the top pros. Picture hered with Graeme McDowell during the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla. Credit: golffile.ieTeen twins Leona and Lisa Maguire will be gunning for glory on Ladies European Tour today.

Leona, 16, was invited to play in the ISPS Handa Portugal Ladies Open at Campo Real near Lisbon as the reigning Portuguese Ladies Amateur Open champion.

But the Cavan sensation also succeeded in getting an invitation for her twin sister Lisa for what will be their fourth start in a professional tour event.